Ambresbury Banks facts for kids
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Ambresbury Banks is the name of an ancient hill fort in Epping Forest, Essex, England. It was built during the Iron Age, a time when people used iron tools and weapons. Today, you can still see the remains of this old fort.
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Stories and History
Some old stories say that Ambresbury Banks was the place where the famous British warrior queen, Boudica, fought her last big battle. This was against the Romans in the year 61 AD. However, there is no real proof that this happened here. Other places are also thought to be the site of that battle.
Ambresbury Banks is one of several ancient hill-forts in the area. These forts might have shown the borders between two powerful ancient tribes. These tribes were the Trinovantes and the Catuvellauni, who often fought with each other.
What the Fort Looks Like
The fort covers an area of about 4.5 hectares (which is about 11 acres). It is surrounded by a single large bank of earth, which is about 2 meters (6 feet) high. There is also a ditch around the bank.
Today, there are six main breaks in the fort's outer wall. But it seems only one of these was part of the original design. This original entrance was approached by a special pathway. The ends of the bank at this entrance were strengthened with large puddingstone blocks. The entrance was wide enough for double gates, but no signs of gate posts have been found.
Discoveries at the Site
Archaeologists have found several interesting things at Ambresbury Banks. They found pieces of red, grey, and black pottery. They also found flints and flint arrowheads, which are tools made from stone. Lumps of baked clay were also discovered. These finds suggest that the fort was built around 700 BC. People likely lived there until about 42 AD.
The Environment Around the Fort
Today, the area inside and around the fort is completely covered in trees. It is a thick forest. But during the Iron Age, this area would have been cleared of trees. This would have given the people living in the fort a better view of their surroundings. It also would have provided space for farming. Evidence of certain trees, like the wild service tree, suggests that the forest grew back later.
Archaeological Work
Ambresbury Banks has been studied by archaeologists nine times. The very first excavation was done by Augustus Pitt-Rivers in 1881. Because of its historical importance, Ambresbury Banks is now a scheduled monument. This means it is protected by law.
Images for kids
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3D view of the digital terrain model
